OPDPS side story 3

A clear, surprisingly pure sound rang out from the piano, which was practically an antique. At first, there was a hint of nervousness, but before long, it gave way to joy and deep immersion.

‘Of course she plays well.’

If she had trained professionally, she might have become a fine pianist. Aeryl closed his eyes and let the music wash over him—while Hiello quietly watched Aeryl instead.

‘He’s beautiful.’

The delicate piece made Aeryl’s refined features stand out even more. The stress Hiello had carried all morning vanished, leaving only the overwhelming presence of his lover’s beauty.

‘So this is why music exists.’

Hiello had the kind of personality that could easily say something that would make countless musicians want to slap their foreheads, throw their instruments, and storm out in frustration.

The piece came to an end. Lady Merel exhaled.

As the immersion faded, a bit of tension crept back in, but joy still outweighed it. Playing alone and playing for others were clearly different experiences.

“Wow! Mother! That was amazing!”

Sorel exclaimed in awe, then clapped along with Aeryl.

“Oh, it was nothing.”

“No, really—it was wonderful. That piece has a lot of subtle technical touches, but your control over the flow of the notes, and the emotion you brought into it—that balance was excellent.”

“You flatter me. I’m sure you’ve heard much more impressive performances than mine. Still… it does feel nice to hear that.”

Lady Merel smiled with genuine pleasure. Aeryl subtly released pheromones and gave Hiello a pointed look—Say something already!

“…I don’t think I’ve ever focused on a piece so closely before. It was beautiful.”

Hiello spoke with sincerity. Whether it could truly be called a critique of the music was questionable, but because his inner thoughts were hard to read, both Lady Merel and Aeryl were surprised by what felt like unexpected praise.

“Thank you. It’s an honor to receive such words from Your Grace.”

Though clearly flustered, she was also quietly pleased. She returned to the table to sip her tea.

The four of them enjoyed light conversation over tea and sweets. The atmosphere grew warm and cheerful—it finally felt like a proper family gathering.

***

After Lady Merel and Sorel left, Hiello immediately took Aeryl’s hand and pulled him to the sofa.

“Finally, my turn.”

Hiello sat down and pulled Aeryl into his arms. Aeryl naturally settled onto his thigh, wrapping his arms around his neck.

“We were together the whole time.”

“Being with others and having you to myself are two very different things.”

Hiello grumbled, running his fingers through Aeryl’s hair.

Just as expected, the outer quarters had erupted in noise when Aeryl appeared. It was only natural, given that the future Grand Duchess had shown up, but the commotion had been amplified by Aeryl’s appearance.

A radiant beauty brimming with happiness is bound to shine. With golden hair and golden eyes glowing like light itself, all eyes had been drawn to him.

“You’re so beautiful it’s turning the whole world into my enemy.”

“Why waste your energy thinking that? I already belong to you.”

Aeryl kissed the jealous Hiello. Their lips met, soft and warm. As their mouths parted slightly, Aeryl slipped his tongue in. The hot, wet touch of tongues brushing and pressing together made his mind melt in a slow rush.

When they finally pulled apart to breathe, Aeryl could feel Hiello’s pheromones thick in the air. They held a sweet, provocative undertone that stirred a flush beneath his skin. Hiello’s hand slipped under his clothes—cool to the touch at first, but sure to grow warm.

“Haa…”

Aeryl exhaled a deep breath as that broad, rough hand ran down the curve of his back.

‘I really do have things I need to do…’

He’d meant to go over the data on the frost sickness. But now sparks had caught, and the fire had started.

‘Ugh. I know I should stop this here…’

“Aeryl. Are you alright?”

Hiello asked gently. When Aeryl saw the desire flicker across his face, all other thoughts vanished. Because Hiello’s expressions were usually so neutral, whenever his emotions showed, it made Aeryl’s chest burn with something indescribable.

‘I give up. Later. I’ll deal with it later.’

Desire won out.

“Take off my clothes.”

“All of them?”

“Yeah. All of it. And you too.”

Aeryl traced his fingers from Hiello’s collar down to his chest. The bold seduction made Hiello immediately start undressing him. It seemed like the whole day might slip away again—until:

“Big brother! Brother Aeryl!”

Sorel’s voice rang out from behind the door. Hiello and Aeryl both froze. Beyond the door, they could hear the attendants frantically trying to stop him.

Hiello had removed the rule that banned people from coming up to the third floor while he was present—he didn’t want Aeryl to feel isolated. Instead, he kept a fixed number of attendants nearby at all times.

“Huh? I can’t go in? Aren’t they inside? Why not?”

Sorel’s innocent voice made both Hiello and Aeryl flush red, and their rising desire cooled off quickly. Without exchanging a word, the two of them stood and hastily straightened their clothes.

“You can come in,” Aeryl called out.

The door to the family lounge opened. Sorel walked in and looked back and forth between the two of them.

“Did you… fight or something? Why are you sitting so far apart?”

Without realizing it, they had each sat at opposite ends of the sofa, trying too hard to act like nothing had happened.

“The end seats have armrests—they’re more comfortable.”

“But etiquette class says you shouldn’t sit with your legs crossed.”

“…It’s just family, so we can relax a little.”

Aeryl and Hiello each offered a quick excuse in turn. Since Sorel didn’t yet understand the complications of adult life, he accepted it and sat on the opposite couch.

“I came because I have a request.”

Sorel looked at Aeryl and set down a wooden box he’d been carrying onto the table.

“These are all the treasures I’ve collected in my life.”

“And?”

“I want to give them to you, Brother Aeryl! Please teach me how to play the piano!”

With a solemn expression, Sorel turned to Hiello.

“Big brother! I promise not to neglect sword training, so please let me learn piano!”

The unexpected request made Aeryl and Hiello exchange glances.

“I don’t mind if he learns,” Asirion said.

“You don’t have to give me anything. I’d teach you anyway. But why do you want to?” Aeryl asked.

Sorel looked a bit shy, but his voice remained steady.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Mother look that happy. I want to learn so I can play for her on her birthday.”

They’d heard that Lady Merel’s birthday was three weeks away. Since it was the coldest part of the year, the plan was to have a small, quiet celebration with only a few people. Sorel clearly wanted to prepare a special gift.

What a sweet kid! Aeryl was deeply moved by Sorel’s words. But Hiello’s reaction was… different.

“Would she really like that?” he said coolly.

Seriously, again with this?! Aeryl quickly slipped off his shoe and kicked it under the table at him. Hiello shut his mouth.

“She’ll love it. People who play music usually love to hear others play, too. If you practice hard, you’ll be able to do it. It won’t be easy, though.”

“I can do it! If it’ll make her happy, I’ll do my best!”

What a good kid. Aeryl felt a strong desire to help him.

“Alright. I’ll teach you. But we’ll keep it a secret from your mother, right?”

“Yes! I can spare about an hour every morning. I’ll work hard!”

“Good! We’ll start tomorrow. Come here quietly, okay?”

“Okay!”

Aeryl and Sorel clasped hands, completely ignoring the sulky expression on Hiello’s face.

***

The next morning. Normally, even after waking up, Aeryl would have lingered in bed, exchanging sweet words and affection with the Grand Duke. But things had changed.

Aeryl sprang up and got out of bed. Thanks to Hiello’s generosity with the heating system—since Aeryl was sensitive to the cold—the air was chilly but bearable.

He told the maid to bring the clothes prepared the night before, dressed quickly, grabbed the brief notes he’d written on piano technique, and ran back to the bed.

Hiello had woken up, but was still lying under the covers.

“I’ll be back,” Aeryl said, and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

He meant to turn and leave, but Hiello pulled him back down into bed.

“Are you really going?”

Hiello whispered. The bed was warm and soft, and his beloved was clinging to him, full of longing. The temptation to just stay snuggled up was intense.

How am I supposed to resist this…

But he couldn’t ignore the child’s wish to make his mother happy.

“Hiello.”

“Yeah?”

Aeryl cupped both his cheeks and leaned in.

Thunk! Their foreheads smacked together with a loud sound.

“Using your beauty to tempt me? That’s cheating, and you know it.”